Illuminating Apparatus Holder Alignment and Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing illuminating apparatuses for image reader devices face challenges in achieving precise alignment of the light source to the document due to variability in the positioning of components, leading to inconsistent light emission and complex heat radiation structures.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a holder to adjust the positional relationship between the light guide, light source board, and heat radiator, allowing for precise alignment of the optical axis to the reading object, simplifying the structure and enhancing heat radiation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple components (light guide, holder, frame, cover glass) are assembled together to achieve precise positioning, then the light emission uniformity improves, but the variability in height from light guide to document increases due to cumulative dimensional variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight emission uniformityVSAvoidheight variability from light guide to document

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning function into two independent parts: the holder provides precise positioning of the light guide relative to the light source board, while the frame provides the overall structural framework. This segmentation prevents cumulative dimensional variability by establishing the light guide position through a single reference (the holder) rather than multiple assembled components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder acts as an intermediary component that directly connects and positions the light guide relative to the light source board. By using the holder as the primary positioning mechanism rather than relying on the assembly of multiple components (frame, cover glass, holder), the patent eliminates cumulative dimensional variability and achieves precise height control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If a complex heat radiation structure with multiple plates and springs is employed to improve heat radiation efficiency, then the heat dissipation performance improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat radiation efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heat radiation function with the existing light source board structure. The light source board itself is designed to serve as the heat radiation plate, eliminating the need for separate heat radiation plates and springs. This integration maintains effective heat dissipation while significantly simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light source board is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the mounting substrate for the light source and as the heat radiation plate. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated heat radiation components, reducing structural complexity while maintaining heat dissipation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables precise and consistent light emission while simplifying the structure and improving heat radiation efficiency, addressing the issues of variability and complexity in existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

an illuminating apparatus that causes a lighting element to emit light through an end face of a cylindrical light guide that is long in the main scanning direction to uniformly emit light in the scanning direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an LED chip that is a light source is mounted on a metal plate, and a bent heat radiation plate is attached to a planar portion at an opposite face side of the LED chip to perform heat radiation on the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a bent heat radiation plate is attached to a planar portion at an opposite face side of the LED chip to perform heat radiation on the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2843929B1Illuminating apparatus, image sensor, and methods for manufacturing illuminating apparatus and image sensor

Publication Date: 2019.04.10 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

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AI summary

An illuminating apparatus includes a columnar light guide (1, 2), a board (11, 12) having a light source (3, 4, 5, 6) fastened on one surface thereof, and a holder (7, 8). The holder is formed with a through-hole (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b) into which an end of the light guide (1, 2) in the columnar center axis direction is fitted to hold the light guide (1, 2), and a catch (7c, 7d, 8c, 8d) that catches and holds the board (11, 12) with the light source (3, 4, 5, 6) facing the end surface of the light guide (1, 2) in the columnar center axis direction in the through-hole (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b).